I am often asked by Clients, both new and old what benefits I believe Pilates can offer and what my thoughts are on these benefits. The following is a small insight into what I stand by in the Practice of Pilates but it should be noted the benefits go far beyond these. You don't have to look far to find various Fitness channels, magazines and articles who will outline the benefits and importance of Pilates in relation to an individuals Health.
Back Pain There are a host of online Physiotherapy, sports, education and health studies that outline the benefits of Pilates against Back Pain - it's no secret. BUPA have stated Pilates is more beneficial for individuals suffering from Chronic Lower Back Pain (pain consistent for 10+ weeks) than any other exercise. Modern living and working patterns go hand in hand with the Body's everyday battle against Back Pain. Pilates promotes back health - in particular learning neutral alignment of the spine and strengthening the deep postural muscles that support this alignment are important skills for clients suffering with Back Pain. The Core If you're chasing a summer 6 pack, then Pilates can certainly help but won't produce one overnight. If you're chasing a stronger core, then you're in the right place. A study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that after 30 weeks of Pilates - men and women had managed to strengthen their abdominis (Abs) area by an average of 21%. This along with a healthy diet will help towards a 6 pack if this is important to you. I personally think it's more important that this helps increase the support for your lower back and improve the your over functionality. Anxiety Anxiety is a common but somewhat ignored condition amongst men & women. I found it really hard to switch off that constant noise and worry inside my own mind. I needed a training routine that held my attention and gave me some focus - in Pilates you have to concentrate and engage yourself into the class! You are being asked to focus on your breath, the muscles that need recruiting, the muscles you should be switching off, the small adjustments you must make to achieve the correct posture and technique. This completely mitigates against your mind attempting to wonder and it creates a space for you to be with yourself in an environment of like minded people. Pilates helps build a mind-body connection that I found reduced anxiety and gave me a much greater appreciation for my health. I have also found that the Clients in all of my classes build relationships with each other and have come to be good friends who I look forward to seeing every week.
Sports Performance Pilates has been proven to improve flexibility, core strength, muscle endurance, balance, co-ordination and mental health. All are important for improving athletic performance regardless of specific sport and Pilates is currently utilized across all sports at a Professional level internationally. It is worth noting that Elite athletes label Pilates as the number one exercise for reducing the frequency and severity of injuries. Improved Flexibility & Mobility Pilates focuses on lengthening, expanding and the strengthening of muscles instead of closing or bunching them up. The exercises within Pilates are dynamic stretches therefore muscles will become longer and leaner whilst improving overall strength in all areas. As Pilates exercises are not held or performed to exhaustion - the technique of stretching will allow a much greater Range of Movement. Through progression and some repetition Clients can expect a noticeable improvement in mobility after just 8 weeks.